Women's Track and Field | 5/5/2024 10:24:00 AM
May 5, 2024-Throughout the month of May Emporia State Athletics will take a look at the 22 events that make up the 2024 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field National Championships. This will include a look at the reigning national champion, the top ranked competitor this season, the NCAA championships record, the Welch Stadium record and any Emporia State athletes that have provisionally qualified for the national meet. Day five features the shot put.
The women's shot put will be held at 11:00 a.m. with the men to follow at 2:15 p.m. on Saturday, May 25.
As of May 5, Grand Valley State's Myles Kerner leads the men with a best mark of 19.67m (64-06.50) and the top women's mark is 16.03m (52-07.25) by Hannah Richardson of Azusa Pacific.
Men Saturday, May 25 at 2:15 p.m.
2023 National Champion: Ralph Casper, West Chester 19.27m (63-02.75)
2024 Top Ranked Competitor: Myles Kerner, Grand Valley State 19.67m (64-06.50)
NCAA Championship Meet Record: Eldred Henry, Findlay 21.47m (70-05.25) 2019
Welch Stadium Record: Christian Cantwell, Missouri, 19.71m (64-08.00) 2001 ESU Twilight Qualifier
Best ESU National Finisher: Jason Stuke, 18.23m (59-09.75 (1998 National Champion
ESU School Record: Al Feuerbach, 19.81m (65-00.00) 1970 AAU Championships
2024 ESU Provisional Qualifiers:
Travis Morrison, 18.57m (60-11.25) Ranked 5
th nationally ESU Relays
Women Saturday, May 25 at 11:00 a.m.
2023 National Champion: Lexi Hurst, Minnesota State 16.41m (53-10.25)
2024 Top Ranked Competitor: Hannah Richardson, Azusa Pacific 16.03m (52-07.25)
NCAA Championship Meet Record: Zada Swoopes, West Texas A&M 17.59m (57-08.50) 2021
Welch Stadium Record: Rebekah Green, Kansas State 16.68m (54-08.75) 2003 ESU Twilight Qualifier
Best ESU National Finisher: Laura Rand 14.57m (47-09.75) 1995 National Champion
Heather Leverington 16.01m (52-06.50) 1999 National Champion
Heather Leverington 16.28m (53-05.00) 2001 National Champion
Rachel Goetz 14.61m (47-11.25) 2004 National Champion
ESU School Record: Heather Leverington, 16.52m (54-02.75) 2002 Pomona Pitzer Invitational
2024 ESU Provisional Qualifiers:
Mele Taula, 15.02m (49-03.50) Kansas Relays
Emporia State has won five NCAA Outdoor Championships in the shot put starting with Laura Rand in 1995. Jason Stuke picked up the men's championship in 1998. Heather Leverington won two national championships, the ifrst in 1999 in her home ring and the second in 2001. Rachel Goetz is the last Hornet to win a championship, winning the 2004 title.
The Hornets have two individuals ranked in the top 16 nationally as of May 5.
Travis Morrison is ranked fifth in the nation for the men while
Mele Taula is 16
th for the women.
Emporia State's Welch Stadium and Zola Witten Track have been selected as the host site for the 2024 and 2026 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships. It will be the fourth and fifth time that Welch Stadium has played host to the national championships.
Welch Stadium previously served as the host site for the National Championships in 1995, 1999 and 2006 with the first meet in 1995 bringing 450 student-athletes to Emporia. The 2024 and 2026 meets are scheduled to bring 754 student-athletes, nearly 200 coaches and over 100 officials to the Flint Hills over the Memorial Day weekend.
During championship week, the NCAA Committee will come to Emporia on Monday with the first practice time available on Tuesday. Wednesday of championship week will see a variety of coaches and officials meetings before the actual competition begins on Thursday. The meet will wrap up on Saturday evening.
Day 1 –
High Jump
Day 2 –
Pole Vault
Day 3 -
Long Jump
Day 4 -
Triple Jump
